Karen M. Stankevich, 79, of Indian River, passed away at home on Saturday June 20, 2020. Karen was born in Detroit on September 7, 1940 to Ruth and James Keene. She attended Birmingham High School, graduating in 1958, after which she moved to Florida for a short while.
After her divorce, she moved back to Michigan and became an LPN. She worked in a doctor’s office for a few years and decided to further her education. She graduated from Mercy College with honors and became an RN. Later, she earned a master’s degree from Wayne State in Psych nursing. While living in Royal Oak, she worked at Sinai-Grace Hospital for many years.
After moving to Indian River, she continued home health care nursing as helping people was always her greatest calling. She also ran a gift shop called Cabbages and Kings for many years and was a member of the Thirsty Thursday group of local business women who became great friends.
Karen spent a great deal of time in Bradenton, Florida in her later years enjoying her friends and the Florida weather. Helping people was her passion. She had a great love for life and people and is survived by so many who loved her and cared for her deeply. She was known for her summer parties where people gathered for usually a themed party, gong shows, and days of fun. She loved to travel and be with her friends. She loved her dogs Sandy and Cruise. Her latest venture was her love and passion for the 310-Depot, developing it into a restaurant and bar with partners Phil and Toni. She will be greatly missed by so many.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Baer Thorsen, grandson, Christopher Thorsen, great nephew, Matthew Long, niece, Mellissa (Mike) Stutz, longtime beloved significant other, Philip Kluczynski, friend Toni Mann Wilson, and her family who thought of her as "Grandma Karen.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Stankevich, sister, Sandra Keene Long, and nephew, James Long.
Per Karen's wishes, no services are scheduled.
The family requests memorials be made to the Dementia Society of America.
The family is being served by the Stone Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Indian River.
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